Page 195 of Distant Shores
“Perfect,” he said, lowering his camera. “Authentic.”
“No flash?”
He shook his head. “It’ll lower the quality some, but the loss will be worth not, umm…. irritating anyone.”
I smirked. “Uh-huh.”
His gray eyes narrowed at me in challenge. Did heknow what I knew? Didheeven know what he should know? Cole’s mind was a mystery. But his heart was less of one, and I warmed to him another inch at his thoughtfulness, even if he wouldn’t admit the reason for it. Or, again, even knew it.
“Need anything?” I asked, replacing my challenging glare with a small smile.
He took another photo. “Nope!” Then he waved like a dork before melting into the crowd. He reappeared at the doors just as a new wave of people spilled through—some I recognized, but many I didn’t—all pointing and smiling at the decorations.
All these weeks of planning, hours of phone calls, printing, and preparation, and now that it was finally here, and I had to think of what might come next…
I wanted to puke.
“Ireland?” a raspy voice asked from behind me, and I turned to find a young woman dressed in a dark-green gown, a hesitant smile on her freckled face. She tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear, and I saw there were freckles on her arms and hands too. All over, really.
“That’s me,” I said, still eyeing her curiously.
Her smile brightened, and her gray eyes warmed as she extended her hand.
“I’m Bree.”
I shook her hand, and she barreled onward.
“Liem’s told me all about you. Cody too. I feel like I’m meeting a celebrity,” she said with a laugh.
I relaxed at that even as I rebelled against the idea of an unclear expectation of who I might be.
Delly came to my side as if anticipating I might need backup, extending her hand. “I’m Adeline,” Delly said, shaking Bree’s hand.
It secretly pleased me that she was “Adeline” to everyone except me, Adair, and Pops.
And Cole, I guessed.
“I’ll make this quick,” Bree said after introducing herself to Delly. “I’ve been keeping up with what you guys have been doing with the greenhouse project. Cody has been doing something similar in our town, over in Bay Springs, getting our downtown more accessible. And, well, to be blunt, it looks like I’ll be coming into some money soon and… I want in. On any future projects.”
Future projects.
Bree’s kind smile didn’t falter when I just stared blankly at her.
“We don’t have to get into details now,” she assured me. “I just wanted to meet you and give you my number so we can talk. Once you’ve recovered from all this, maybe?”
I nodded, but then shook my head instead. “I don’t have my phone.”
“Here,” Delly said, extending her phone to Bree. “I’ll make sure Ireland gets your number. And calls you.”
I bumped Delly with my hip, then gave my attention back to Bree. “We don’t have anything planned besides getting the greenhouse built, and maybe any other fundraising we might have to do if this isn’t enough, but….” I met her eyes, mind racing with possibilities. “I’d really love that. To talk more.”
Her eyes sparkled knowingly. “I’m surprised Ari didn’t tell you. Vinh checked the numbers this morning. From the dance card bids alone, you’ve met your goal.”
Delly squealed, but I just continued to stand there, stunned.
“My, don’t you ladies look splendid,” Liem said, joining our circle. “And happy too.”
An intense guy whohadto be Liem’s brother appeared,putting his arm around Bree and kissing her temple. He had the same dark hair and eyes as Liem, but was taller by several inches.
